That Mary was an OPEN LIBERAL

As we celebrate Christmas once again let us meditate upon the words of Elizabeth’s blessing to Mary on the occasion of their meeting when they were both expecting miraculous babies.

“And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” (Luke 1: 45)

Here Mary is blessed because she heard the Word of God and believed it. Even though what she heard seemed completely impossible, she believed it. Mary is a great example of What God expects of all of us. His promises to us are no less wonderful. The offer of the gospel is heaven. We are offered eternal life if we believe. A Christian is a BELIEVER. If God says it, we believe it!

Mary did not have lingering doubts. When she first heard the promise she did question it, but when God simply stated the enormity of what he intended to do, she responded with “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” When a person hears the Word of God and walks away doubting it, that person is not blessed. Faith is a blessing. Faith is the evidence of God’s gracious work in a sinner’s heart. Elizabeth knows that Mary is blessed because Mary believed the Word of God. The enemies of men desire for men to go away in unbelief. The World the Flesh and the Devil will do all that they can to keep you in unbelief.

Mary was liberal in her faith too. She fully believed that there would be a full filling of what was spoken to her. The Greek word here is “teleiosis.” The words spoken would reach their goal. They would reach their end, the purpose of the Lord. You know, I say some things that I hope I can do, but will actually never be able to finish. God always finishes what he says he will! Mary liberally believed this!

How did Elizabeth know that Mary had believed the Word? Mary had taken action on her faith by going to see Elizabeth. The Bible doesn’t say that Mary had even had a chance to explain the whole thing to Elizabeth; it simply says that Mary greeted her. It is quite possible that Elizabeth just knew by Mary’s visit, her greeting, and by God’s revelation, that God had promised wonderful things to Mary. To quote a Christmas movie “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is to sing out loud for all to hear.” Mary sang by her visit, and by her greeting. Elizabeth knew she was a believer by the way Mary conducted herself. After Mary’s greeting she spoke out a beautiful testimony which we call the Magnificat. Find it in Luke 1: 46-55.

Do you believe the Word spoken to you, and do people around you know it?